Specifications (L-5):
Engine: One 185-hp Lycoming O-435-1 flat-six piston engine
Weight: Empty 1,550 lbs., Max Takeoff 2,020 lbs.
Wing Span: 34ft. 0in.
Length: 24ft. 1in.
Height: 7ft. 11in.
Performance:
Maximum Speed: 130 mph
Ceiling: 15,800 ft.
Range: 360 miles
Armament: None
Number Built: 3,590
Ok the reason why I ask for this is because at times I will spot ground vehicles for the diehard GV'r and at times when in slow moving plane such as the spit or f6f you still go too fast. So is there any way to get a specific spotter plane for this purpose? According to
http://www.warbirdalley.com/l5.htm that was the main purpose of this multi purpose plane.
Also here is more info taken from the
http://avia-dejavu.net/eelde1965.htm website
The Stinson L-5 Sentinel is a three-seat single engine high wing light aircraft used by the military as air observation post, aerial ambulance, and in other roles. The Sinson L-5 Sentinel, also known as the "Flying Jeep", was basicaly the militairy version of the Stinson 105 Voyager. Development of the Stinson 105 Voyager started in the late 1930's. Stinson Aircraft designed the Model 105 (also designated HW-75) and the type certificate was issued on 20 May 1939. A total of 277 airframes of the (1939) Model 105 (HW-75) with a 75 hp Continental A-75-3 engine and 260 airframes of the (1940) Model 105 (HW-80) powered by a 80 hp Continental A-80-6 engine were built. The next development of the 105 was the Model 10 Voyager, with wider cabin, many detail changes and a 80 hp Continental A-80 engine. In 1941, six airframes of this Model 10 equipped with a 80 hp Lycoming O-170-1 four-cylinder engine were tested by the U.S. Army under the designation YO-54. Testing was successful as the U.S. Army signed a contract for 1,731 airframes, first designated the Stinson O-62. The O-62 was equipped with a 185 hp Lycoming O-435-1 six-cylinder engine. In April 1942, the designation "O" for Observation was changed to "L" for Liaison and the Stinson O-62 became the Stinson L-5 Sentinel. Stinson delivered more than 3,590 of the L-5 Sentinel between 1942 and 1945 under a variety of designations: the L-5A was a modified L-5 with an improved electrical system; the L-5B had a deeper fuselage to carry a stretcher; the L-5C was equipped with a reconnaissance camera; the L-5E had improved control surfaces; and the L-5G had a more powerful engine. The early models of the L-5 can be recognized by the slender aft fuselage section and rear window. About 1800 airframes of this model were built. The L-5B and up models feature a deeper rear fuselage. These models were built from 1943-1945. The Stinson L-5 variants served during World War II not only with the U.S.Army Air Corps but also with the U.S. Navy (as OY-1 and OY-2) and the British Royal Air Force. The production of the Stinson L-5 was closed down after the war end in 1945. In the late 1930's, when development of the Model 105 started, Stinson Aircraft was actual the Stinson Aircraft Division of the Aviation Manufacturing Corporation.
Now with that said I know people will say that if you take one up to spot for the gvrs you will be shot down because of the slower plane and no armament. If so then let the pilot who takes it up take that chance.
Thoughts??
Lawndart
Let the laughter and the flaming begin.
